Northeast Desk, September 17: The escalating prices of essential commodities in Meghalaya have triggered widespread public concern, with the Voice of the People Party (VPP) urging immediate government intervention. VPP Member of Parliament Ricky Syngkon has formally addressed Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, calling attention to the issue and outlining the party’s demands.
In his letter, Syngkon highlighted the hardships faced by the state’s poor and marginalized communities. “This steep escalation in prices has caused immense distress to the common people,” he wrote, attributing the rise to multiple factors, including toll gates on highways and the alleged exploitation of farmers and consumers by intermediaries.
The VPP recently staged a peaceful sit-in at Malki football ground in Shillong to press for action. Syngkon expressed frustration that the issue was not sufficiently addressed during the Assembly session, leading the opposition party to take the matter to the public.
Among the VPP’s demands are investigations into the causes of inflation, regulation of toll gates, protection of farmers from middlemen, and stronger enforcement by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies to control prices.
Syngkon also raised concerns over transportation challenges, particularly the Umiam bridge’s unsuitability for heavy-loaded vehicles, which forces transporters to take longer, costlier routes. He urged the government to explore alternative routes to reduce transportation costs and stabilize prices.
The VPP has warned of further action if their demands are not addressed, with Syngkon concluding, “We hope the government will act swiftly to provide relief to the citizens of the state.”